Apr 2024
Ownership Change for Diatomite in France
A France‑based industrial minerals company entered negotiations to acquire three European diatomite and perlite assets in France and Italy, with completion expected by the end of 2024.
Diatomite trade
Siliceous Earths
Diatomite, also known as Siliceous fossil meals, is a natural, soft, and finely porous sedimentary rock made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae that have been accumulating on the bottoms of lakes, rivers, and oceans for millions of years. It has an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less, making it easily broken into a fine white to off-white powder. Diatomite's high porosity and surface area make it an ideal material for removing impurities from various products, including oils, f...
Diatomite, also known as Siliceous fossil meals, is a natural, soft, and finely porous sedimentary rock made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae that have been accumulating on the bottoms of lakes, rivers, and oceans for millions of years. It has an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less, making it easily broken into a fine white to off-white powder.
Diatomite's high porosity and surface area make it an ideal material for removing impurities from various products, including oils, foods, beverages, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, it is used as a filler and extender in paints, plastics, rubber, and other materials, as well as in the production of explosives, refrigeration fluids, and insulation materials.
Diatomite is mined from deposits worldwide, with major producers including the United States, Russia, China, Peru, and Mexico. The mining process involves removing overburden and extracting diatomite through hydraulic or open-pit mining methods, followed by processing to remove impurities and increase porosity. Diatomite is traded in raw and calcined forms, with the latter being more expensive due to additional processing costs.
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Market intelligence
Relevant Events
2024
Reserve Revision for Diatomite in China
China’s diatomite reserves were revised upward based on recent government reports.
2024
Reserve Revision for Diatomite in France
France’s diatomite reserves were revised upward based on recent government reports.
2024
Reserve Revision for Diatomite in Republic of Korea
The Republic of Korea’s diatomite reserves were revised upward based on recent government reports.
31 Dec 2013
Tariff Change for Diatomite in United States
The U.S. classified diatomite under HS 12–31–13 with zero tariff, removing trade barriers and potentially boosting U.S. exports.
1 Jan 2010
Regulatory Change for Diatomite in United States
Ongoing U.S. regulatory dispute over the classification of diatomite and related absorbent products as free of free‑crystalline silica, potentially impacting product labeling, market access, and export regulations.
1 Jan 2009
Other for Diatomite in United States
Ongoing legal disputes over the classification of diatomite and related absorbent products as free of free‑crystalline silica remain contentious and unresolved, potentially affecting regulatory compliance and market access.
1 Jan 2009
Other for Diatomite in United States
The 2009 global economic downturn caused a 25% decline in U.S. diatomite production, reducing output from 764,000 t in 2008 to 575,000 t in 2009, materially impacting supply and market dynamics.
2009
Processing Shutdown for Diatomite in United States
Imerys Minerals Ltd. announced possible temporary closures of all U.S. filtration mineral operations in early 2009 due to decreased demand, potentially reducing near‑term diatomite production.
31 Dec 2005
Regulatory Change for Diatomite in United States
A 14% depletion allowance was applied to domestic and foreign diatomite, altering cost structures for producers and importers in 2005.
31 Dec 2005
Tariff Change for Diatomite in United States
U.S. customs reclassified diatomite under tariff code 2512.00.0000 as duty‑free effective December 31, 2005, eliminating import duties and potentially increasing trade flows.
31 Dec 2003
Mine Closure for Diatomite in United States
Closure and reclamation of one diatomite mining operation in the United States.
1 Jan 2002
Mine Closure for Diatomite in United States
A diatomite mine in the United States was closed and entered a reclamation phase in 2002, reducing active mining operations and affecting domestic production capacity.
31 Dec 2001
Tariff Change for Diatomite in United States
The U.S. duty‑free status was granted to diatomite (item 2512.00.0000) on December 31, 2001, eliminating import tariffs and potentially boosting trade flows.
1 Jan 2001
Mine Closure for Diatomite in United States
A diatomite mine was closed and reclamation undertaken, reducing active mining operations in the United States.
31 Dec 1999
Other for Diatomite in United States
A U.S. company partnered with an international association to commission a diatomite filtration test project that demonstrated significant reduction of cryptosporidium, leading to deployment of D.E. filter aids in over 200 U.S. potable water treatment facilities.
31 Dec 1999
Regulatory Change for Diatomite in United States
U.S. regulatory authority set a 15% depletion allowance for diatomite, affecting allowable stockpile levels and influencing production and export calculations.
31 Dec 1999
Tariff Change for Diatomite in United States
The U.S. removed the tariff on siliceous fossil meals, including diatomite, effective December 31, 1999, increasing trade freedom for diatomite exports and imports.
1 Jan 1884
Mine Opening for Diatomite in United States
The first U.S. diatomite mine began production in Maryland in 1884, initiating domestic mining of the commodity.
1 Jan 1880
Discovery for Diatomite in United States
Large, high‑purity diatomite deposits were identified near Lompoc, California in the late 1800s, becoming a major source of the commodity.
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